3rd part time!
RR (Review Response):
Iditakor1: Thank you so much! You don't know how happy it makes me when I hear and read people (and you) enjoying this! I can't wait to read your own Arknights story as well! And while you don't need to, it would be an absolute humbling experience and honor if you can draw Lyle and send it to me (I can't draw to save the life of myself Q/W/Q ). Thank you very much again!
(As of writing this beginning intro, I may or may not have been under heavy hype energy and liiitle tipsy)
While it isn't officially translated/ adapted onto EN… MOSTIMA OPERATOR REPORT AHHHHH.
*Cough* Put some love and respect on actual best girl.
I read unofficial translations and it hits deep and its low key similar with how *Censored*.
Reading the translation all but threw gasoline (a tankards worth) onto my desire to continue this story at a quicker pace (as long as I don't get stumped in the writing process).
This is the reason why I love Arknights so much besides the gameplay, the story and its setting. Absolutely breathtaking (You're breathtaking!).
BUT THAT DOESN'T MATTER. ENJOY THE CHAPTER.
Edit: No one saw those first three words of this chapter hehe~
Inner thoughts – Italics for inner thoughts of characters
"Speaking" – Conversing.
'Reading' – Any written texts.
"Talk Talk Talk" – Conversing through comms
OHH YEAH – Emphasizing words or phrases.
With Coworkers like these
*One week later- Saturday morning. LGD Headquarters. Ch'en's office. *
*Loud Groan* "Are we done yet, Ch'en? My hands are killing me~" whined the Vouivre as he wrote the last bits on a document before handing it off to Hoshiguma.
"Keep writing, Cobalt. Blame yourself for drawing the short straw." Hoshiguma as she read, checked, and handed it to Ch'en for a final inspection.
"If you don't shut up and focus on those reports…" Ch'en irately threatened as she pushed a pair of reading glasses closer to her face as she blazed through the documents with her eyes, signing it, and placing it on one of the many large piles of paperwork stacked along her desk and parts of the floor.
*Babylike Groan Intensifies*
"Hoshiguma!"
*Smack*
"There was no need for that, Hoshiguma~"
"Quiet down and write. The quicker we finish, the sooner we can get out of here." Hoshiguma sighed, setting down the 'Cobalt whacker' down next to her while simultaneously reading the document Cobalt had given her before she gave it to Ch'en's outstretched hand that was there barely a second.
Perfectly in sync. Cobalt mentally noted, staring at the dynamic duo. Rubbing the cartoonishly large red bump on his head from the smack he received from Hoshiguma.
"Keep writing." Venom spewed from Ch'en as her eyes practically pierced through Cobalt's soul, shutting him up and continued writing with an exaggerated crying expression.
It was a rough day for the LGD on this Saturday morning. They believed that they had heard the last of the Sicilian gangs but were wrong. The mob boss that had been captured a week prior was found dead in his cell with shivs in him. Reports of mob members themselves turning on each other and killing one another in prison, and the LGD can't understand the motive as to why. Not only did they need to write up logs and figure out why they had resorted to such a thing, handfuls of refuges and infected have been entering Lungmen, and the statements coming from the Nomadic City, Chernobog, belonging to Ursus is… troubling, but further investigation is needed until anything can or will be done. Lastly, they needed to write the usual end-of-the-month report, so the unforeseen extra work was just adding fuel to the already large forest fire of hell spreading across the LGD.
*Knock*Knock*Knock*
"Thank the lord… coming!" Cobalt excitedly answered, ignoring the demonic aura radiating from Ch'en. As an excuse to avoid doing the work, he walked over and opened the door to see Linda, her blonde hair in a ponytail. She was wearing a white dress shirt with a black tie, black workpants, and black dress shoes.
"Hey, Linda, looking beautiful like always." Cobalt flirted as he leaned on the door with his arm and winked at her. "So, what's up? Are you saving me from this decadent hell and whisking us away to a local café across the street for lunch?" Cobalt whimsically asked as he gently grabbed Linda's hand and brought it closer to him.
"Hello Cobalt, but I'm afraid not. If anything, I'm only extending your time in hell." Linda smiled lightly, gently freeing herself from Cobalt's hand and lightly patting the tall Vouivre' s cheek. Cobalt's look of excitement became that of pure and utter terror once he saw what was behind her.
"Got more for you, sir." Said the now serious Vulpo towards Ch'en. As she pulled a cart filled with another three stacks of paperwork behind her, she couldn't help but giggle at the utter despair and hopelessness Cobalt's face showed.
*Evening of that same day. *
"OH, BLESS ALL THAT IS GOOD! ITS OVER" Cobalt screamed at the top of his voice as he quite literally started kissing the floor of the main lobby at LGD headquarters. Much to the laughter from bystanders and guardsmen clocking in and out of their shifts.
"…Why is he even on your squad, Ch'en? Not even Lyle complains like this." Swire muttered, thanking to nobody in particular that she got the better of the two. Ch'en could only sigh and rub her eyes.
*sigh* "I question that myself, Swire." Ch'en quietly responded back before looking at Hoshiguma, who was on her phone.
"Are you texting Lyle?" Ch'en absentmindedly questioned as she stretched her arms.
"Hmm? Yeah, I'm letting Lyle know that we're done with work." Hoshiguma responded before she heard her phone go off.
"What did he say?" Swire asked, her right hand on the collar of Cobalt as the blue haired Vouivre is still in a euphoric heaven. Relieved that he can finally rest.
"He said that if we aren't up to it, we can cancel." Hoshiguma said before looking at the rest of the group, awaiting a response.
"Let's go. It's a rarity that he invited us to his home." Cobalt said, finally standing up and dusting himself off.
"More like the first time ever." Swire grumbled. For as long as she has known her underling, he has never once invited her or anyone outside of work to anything. All the times they have seen or hung out with him was purely out of coincidence or a social outing for the work, but as what the office gossip goes, he's never invited a soul to do anything.
Swire even recalls the idiotic and baseless rumors about her student when he first joined the LGD. Some suggested that he was a serial killer, luring unsuspecting victims into his lair and sacrificing him to the old gods of the Sarkaz. Others suggested that he doesn't have a home to go to. That he stalks the halls of the headquarters and spooks those in the graveyard shift. The most ridiculous excuse was the idea that he even dressed up as a clown and would entertain children at birthday parties as a second job. She shuddered at that one. As someone who also had, no, still, deal with warrantless lies spread around them, she stood up for him and reprimanded those who would slander his name.
"Ch'en? What about you?" Hoshiguma asked, unsure on how Ch'en would respond. Hoshiguma knew that Lyle isn't on Ch'en's small list of people she can whole heartedly trust, but she hopes she can try improving their relationship by interacting with Lyle's personal life.
"Where's his house? It would be interesting to know what our mysterious coworker outside life is. Would be an adventure that only the LGD's finest could handle." Ch'en slightly joked as she began walking, the others following. Ch'en had an ulterior motive for wanting to go, but she believed it was best not to tell the rest.
*Twenty minutes later, outside Lyle's residence. Heavily cloudy*
"… Hey Swire, you don't pay him under the table, right?"
"No… do you, Ch'en?"
"No. I've seen his payroll, too. It's not possible. Does he come from a rich family, Cobalt?"
"Pfft, you think he ever told me about that? I just found out he listens to rap music the other day. You think I know about that?"
As the four individuals looked at the grand apartment complex located near the nicer parts of Lungmen, they could all but wonder just how the Sarkaz could afford such a luxurious area.
"Hell, might be nicer than your guys' place." Hoshiguma chimed towards Ch'en and Swire.
"Probably as nice as mine, but nobody can beat Miss S here. She needs the pampering and the space to maintain her lifestyle." Ch'en said with a smirk, her arms cross. She knows all too well how to press Swire's buttons.
"You're a real* R-rated Lungmen profanity *, you know that?" Swire said to Ch'en, only just giving Ch'en more satisfaction that she got under her skin so easily.
"By the way, did Lyle ever give us what room and floor?" Ch'en said, changing the subject, causing the already aggravated Swire to continue saying even more outrageous amounts of profanity towards her.
"He just said to talk to the receptionist…well, shall we head in?" Hoshiguma said, leading the vanguard as the four walks towards the entrance. With the doorman opening the door with a smile, they walked toward the 24- hour receptionist booth, where they met a very old Oni standing at attention.
"How may I help you on this fine evening?" The soft-spoken Oni said, kind and friendly that gives off the innocent aura that a puppy radiates. "Ahh, don't tell me." The old man suddenly continued, preventing Hoshiguma off from speaking.
"You four must be the guest that Lord Lyle had invited, no?" The old man said knowingly, much to the surprise and confusion of the four.
"Lord Lyle?" Cobalt repeated out confusion.
"Please use the elevator around the corner and click on the 'P' button. Enjoy your stay." The old man finished with a bow.
As the four said their thanks and went into the elevator that was separated from the others. They clicked on the button and began going up.
…
The four stood their looking at each other not, uttering a word. The soft sound of the elevator music hymn and the dial mechanism signifying what floor they were on was the only sound that was produced.
…
"No one going to say it. Fine, I'll say it." Cobalt said, breaking the silence with his voice.
*Exaggerated inhale* "IS LYLE ROYALTY!?" Cobalt yelled, his mouth agape.
"TOO LOUD, YOU MORON!" Swire yelled, slapping the literal goofy out of Cobalt.
"You're no better…" Ch'en said, her hands on her ears in irritation.
"Well, we'll talk about that when we see him, now won't we?" Hoshiguma said with a smile.
They finally got out of the elevator and a lone door was at the end of the hallway. Before they reached and knocked on the door, they heard the sound of the door unlocking itself.
*click* "It's open!" they faintly heard from the door inside. They looked at each other once more before they entered into the apartment and classical rock music gently filled their eardrums. Each of them had mixed opinions at what the mysterious Sarkaz' s home life is like, but if there was a word to describe the apartment, it would be monochrome.
Dark vinyl plank flooring that matches with monochrome walls was seen as they entered and looked around the penthouse apartment. Paintings of various cities and landscapes cover the walls as they went down the three steps and turned right into what seems to be the main area.
The main room consisted of the dining room/ kitchen area, a hallway on the left, and the living room at the far end of the room with several windows for the city view.
On the left side of the room, besides the clear dining table with black edged outlines and equally black table chairs, was a hallway leading to three more rooms. A large, white bookshelf was placed along the walls next to the table with a variety of books, DVDs, and other assorted items.
At the far end of the room was a black sectional couch, presumably the living room, as well as several large windows to overlook the beautiful and ever lively city of Lungmen. There were also stairs to the left of the couch, presumably leading to the upstairs main bedroom.
On the right side of the room, a marble countertop and black barstools attached to the kitchen. Their eyes became fixated on the individual and resident of the home. Lyle was wearing a rather formal outfit to greet his guests. A maroon dress shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows and black tie underneath a dark grey vest and black work pants and shoes. Over his outfit was an old, red apron with the phrase 'Raguel's Café' in a Laterano signature plastered on the front.
"Hey guys, have a tough day?" Lyle greeted them with a smile as he faced their direction while whisking ingredients in his arms.
…
"Guys, are you alright? What, something on my face?" Lyle said as he stepped out of the kitchen, bowl still in hand, to get closer to them.
"Damn bro, I didn't know you got a home like this!" Cobalt said, breaking the ice. "You can almost see all of Lungmen out from here."
"Thanks, even I count my blessings on how amazing this penthouse is." Lyle humbly said. It was unknown whether Lyle follows the Laterano belief or any kind of religion at all, but it was noteworthy for him to speak in such a way.
"You have a really nice place, Lyle. I'm glad my student can live a clean and respectable lifestyle." Swire huffed in a proud voice, feebly attempting to one up her rival in another way, their students. Cobalt stiffed at the response and rubbed the back of his head, lightly chuckling as he reminisced the time his coworkers suddenly arrived at his apartment to see empty pizza boxes, beer cans, and trash buildup all around the complex. Cobalt had to work forced overtime by cleaning his apartment, courtesy from Swire. Ch'en, on the other hand, raised her head in a thoughtful manner before shrugging in an uncaring demeanor, much to the further frustration of Swire.
"Hey Lyle, sorry for not bringing anything." Hoshiguma stated politely as she herself admired the home.
"Hello Hoshiguma, and don't worry about it at all. I have everything covered, so you can just relax and enjoy yourselves~" Lyle said in surprisingly chirpy tone before he turned towards Ch'en, who was being uncharacteristically quiet.
"Greetings Madam. I hope my home is satisfactory and comfortable to you." Lyle lightly joked in a way a butler would greet their master.
"… It is a nice home, though I am a little curious as to how you can afford it." Ch'en said as she currently surveyed the room. "There is also the matter of why you were referred to as a 'lord' by the receptionist." Ch'en lightly remarked in a slight assertive, yet curious tone.
Straight to the point like always. Was the immediate, non-coincidental thought the other three guests had as they sweat dropped from the usual straightforwardness from the female Lung.
"Hehe, I always enjoyed that straightforwardness from you, Ch'en." Lyle said. "I always admired that about you." Lyle said with a bright smile. "It's a long story, but I'll be sure to talk about that when I finish dinner, alright?"
What the hell is up with him. Was the collective thought amongst most of the group. Especially Ch'en, who was taken aback from the uncharacteristically cheerful Lyle and his compliments given to her. Cobalt, however, simply grinned and went up to physically greet Lyle.
"So, what's up bro, how ya been? Is that apron the old café shop you used to work for, Lyle?" Cobalt casually said, greeting Lyle officially with an elaborate handshake as they slapped each other's palms and snapping their fingers in sync.
"It is, actually! Nice of you to remember, Cobalt. You've got surprisingly good memory…" Lyle remarked. "Oh gods, I hoped you washed your hands…" Lyle sneered at Cobalt and his possibly tainted hand before he went back into the kitchen before furiously cleansing his hands with soap and water.
"Oh, come on, bro! I at least can do the basic hygiene!" Cobalt jokingly countered, but to only receive a variety of 'hmphs' and a 'yeah right' from a certain Feline.
"You're still living that frat life to the core, Cobalt?" Lyle chuckled to the Vouivre proud look. "Please, make yourself at home and relax! I'll have your appetizers out in just a moment." Lyle said as he guided them to the dining table.
"Here you go!" Lyle said as he quickly returned to greet his guests with two plates and placing them on the dining table. They looked at whats on the plates and couldn't decipher what it was. One plate smelled that of flavored cooked fish atop crackers. The other plate was that of a strange meat with seasoning atop crackers and a side of a strange, red-white cream of sorts.
"This is an assortment of sliced smoked fish mixed with a variety of seasonings and a few marinated with sauces I whipped together." Lyle explained to them about the first dish. Swire's mouth was hanging, and stars in her eyes as she looked towards the fish delicacy.
"This is a Siracusan delicacy. A dry-cured ham thinly sliced and served uncooked, known as prosciutto di Parma." Lyle said, referring to the second dish. He quickly levitated another small bowl with his arts and placed it next to the plate.
"You may eat it as such, or you can add the authentic goat cranberry cheese to give it an exquisite taste." Lyle explained further, before he gave each of the members napkins.
"Please enjoy. Dinner will be ready in about half an hour." Lyle said as he stepped back into the kitchen.
The group are completely baffled at what they are currently seeing. None of them knew that Lyle could cook, much so to this level of expertise. The four of them stared at each other before looking at Cobalt.
"… What?"
"You take the first bite."
"Wait why me? Did you guys see the look on Swire? She looks like she's ready to rip it to shreds."
"Be our vanguard, Cobalt. That's an order."
"We're off right now, Ch'en!"
"That's an order."
"…yes, madam."
As Cobalt carefully grabbed a piece from the prosciutto side. He hesitantly took a bite and chewed cautiously as the other three looked at him curiously.
"So how does it taste?"
… Cobalt only sensible response was a lone tear that fell from his face as he grabbed another and another. The others followed suit, and all quickly enjoyed the appetizer prepared by Lyle as he continued to finish the main course dinner, a gentle smile on his face.
*Later that evening*
"So, about the question I asked earlier, Lyle."
The five were currently relaxing on the black couch enjoying each other's company as they awaited the dessert Lyle prepared to be finished.
Situated at the far end of the room, the group was sitting on the upside down 'L' formatted black sectional sofa with a black coffee table that faced the mounted tv with the fireplace built into the wall in front of them. There was, lastly, a black lazy chair in the corner facing the couch. A weird placement, but one that prioritizes socialization and relaxing rather than viewing the T.V.
Hoshiguma was sitting next to Ch'en, who had taken the arm rest at the furthest part of sofa, their backs facing the windows. Cobalt is sitting in the middle part facing the Tv with his hands resting on each side of the couch, and Swire on the opposite arm rest.
Currently recovering from the fulfilling dinner that was served to them, they are currently waiting for the dessert that Lyle had prepared for them.
"So basically Ch'en. No, I am not of royal birth. If by receptionist you're referring to the old Oni, correct? Yeah, that's the owner of this place." Lyle said as he leaned his head back onto the last chair. "Long story short, I saved him and his family from a gang of Perro bikers while I was on my way to Lungmen after I graduated from college. Ended up giving me the penthouse apartment and letting me live here for free. I tried offering him rent money or to have me live in a smaller room, but he insisted, stating 'Revenue can be replaced, but my family's life cannot.' A very wise Oni from Higashi, but I wish he wouldn't 'honor' me by saying 'my lord' though. Lyle explained.
"That's some story, Lyle." Hoshiguma stated, though she is curious and more so impressed from the fact on how Lyle was able to fend off a large gang while simultaneously protecting a family and their caravan on his own.
He must really be holding back during training. Hoshiguma thought in perspective during the joint training courses she and Swire put Lyle through. Compared to Cobalt, who currently has a faster completion time than Lyle by a landslide, he always puts in half effort, the bare minimum to pass. As if he's… disinterested or unenthusiastic. Like he knows he can push himself further but doesn't allow himself to.
*Burp* "My lord that was amazing, Lyle."
"Heh, glad I could serve. I hope you ladies enjoyed it as well?"
"It was quite delicious, thank you for serving us."
"I'm impressed, Lyle. It was very good."
"Lyle… quit the L.G.D."
"Huh?"
"What would make you say that Swire?" Lyle asked curiously, taken aback at the suggestion.
"Yeah, Swire. Why would you say that?" Hoshiguma also questioned, slightly amused. She never thought she would hear Swire, of all people, to want Lyle to leave.
"Lyle should leave the LGD and come work for me and be my personal chef, of course!" Swire excitedly said, much to the sweat drop from the group. "I mean, c'mon! His demeanor when he cooks and serves us. It's like we're nobility!" Swire said, remarking the work from a flustered Lyle, who could only chuckle in response. It was ironic for Swire to say it, however, since she herself stems from Victorian nobility and lives a luxurious life.
"Oh c'mon, you don't need to exaggerate.." Lyle embarrassingly said.
*Pfft* "You just want him for yourself, Swire. I've seen the way you gawk and glance at him as he cooked and served us." Cobalt mockingly said, before bracing himself for the barrage of cartoonish slaps from a red-faced Swire once more.
"Where did you learn to cook and prepare all of this, by the way?" Hoshiguma asked curiously, not even bothering to stop the literal beatdown that was happening half a couch away from her.
"A plethora of people and experience, really." Lyle said. "My old neighbor, Miss Rachel, taught me how to bake and gave me all her recipes, which is what we are waiting for right now. I have my dad, who is a bit of a culinary and barista nutcase, so I helped him run the shop. Lastly, I took a variety of classes in college." Lyle finished discussing as he looked to see a slightly panting Swire rub her red hands and the poor mess that is Cobalt.
"Can I use your bathroom really quick? I may have soiled myself…" Cobalt said while getting up and nursing the precarious number of bumps and bruises he has received throughout the day.
"I hope you can. Down that hallway and it's the door on the left." Lyle chuckled as he corrected a slightly annoyed Cobalt's grammar. He directed the hilariously battered Vouivre towards the location of the small hallway in his apartment.
"Well, while we're waiting for him, would any of you like to drink a bit with me? I have an extremely rare Kazdelian wine we can try." Lyle said as he closed his eyes and placed his hands on the black coffee table, forming two mini, shadowy portals. He raised his hands up to reveal the intricate design of the Kazdelian wine on one hand while a few wine glasses appearing on the other.
"Believe it or not, Kazdel was known for her vineyards and production of wine before the war." Lyle said as he poured the glasses and presented it to his higher ups.
"I didn't know Kazdel had such an acclaimed product made exported." Swire noted quietly. "What was Kazdel like.. y'know, before the war?"
"It was beautiful, quiet and peaceful. I was born and raised in the capital. It was situated between a ridge and a valley." Lyle reminisced. "There were all kinds of people who would come in and out of the city, selling unique wares from their journey. You could even see the large plantations of vineyards where they grew the grapes over the valley." Lyle said, ending with a somber smile on his face. "I lived in a small shophouse, and below we had a joint bakery and coffee place where my dad would work. Oh, how I loved the smell of fresh coffee and sweets…" Silence quickly invaded the room as they knew what unprecedented incident that affected across Kazdel, Lyle included.
"You've been very relaxed lately, Lyle." Hoshiguma stated as she accepted the glass, attempting to change the subject. Hoshiguma thought best it wasn't right to bring up such a subject, not while he's sober, at least. "Wow this is sweet."
"Ye- Yeah! You've finally broken out of your introverted shell." Swire said, forcing a smile to Lyle and a look of gratitude soon after to Hoshiguma for shifting the darkening tone of the slippery slope conversation she inadvertently caused.
My bad on that one… I owe you one, Hoshi. Swire internally chastised and thanking Hoshiguma further.
"Hmm? What makes you say that? I'm the same as always." Lyle asked curiously, filling a glass, and handing it to Swire.
"You never casually use your arts, for one. Not during training or on patrol." Swire huffed in slight exaggerated frustration as she took a sip. "Wow, this is delicious!" Swire hummed in approval.
"Yet you used it when we captured the Syracusans and at the Blue Dragon to save the girl." Ch'en asserted as she received the glass. She waited patiently throughout the evening, enjoying herself as she relaxed and indulged in the surprisingly comforting hospitality given to them by the person in interest she had almost completely forgot about questioning.
"Or when you forced the Lupo boss to violently chomp down his tongue." Chen lastly noted, surprising the other two high ranking LGD members, before she tasted the wine for herself, quietly approving the drink to her standards.
If there is even a chance he would harm Lungmen in any away…actions must be taken. Ch'en concluded to herself. She needs to know of his intentions and learn if he has an ulterior motive. She needs to know if what the Lupo discussed is his true persona, or a facade. She needs to know if he can be trusted.
"You never miss a beat, don't you-" Lyle gently said before stopping midway through his train of thought and froze. The remaining three, confused, was about to ask what's the problem, before Lyle looked in the direction of where Cobalt went.
"If you are done with the restroom, I implore you to not go wondering around my home. If you want a tour of the apartment, you need but ask, Cobalt." Lyle said loudly before he poured another glass to the returning Cobalt.
"I'm sorry… but how in the good hell did you know I was snooping? I swear I was quiet about it…" Cobalt said in a bit of a shock before taking a sip. "Damn this is good."
"Well to answer all your incoming questions, let me get more comfortable." Lyle said as he finally poured himself a glass and sat back down on the lazy seat in the corner, so he could see all of them.
"To bring to light on what my oh so mysterious arts, its shadow manipulation." Lyle said whimsically as he hilariously waved and shook his hands in the air.
"The concept of arts can vary depending on people's natural originium adaptability, their race, and their affinity to certain elements." Lyle explained before taking a sip. "I possess my mother's traits. Being a Shade Sarkaz, we are known to have some kind of affinity involving shadows. In my case, I could move and construct shadows at will, or even teleport myself and others through it, though people who don't have a high originium adaptability could suffer nausea and the like. As for how I caught Cobalt. I 'felt' him through the shadow he forms as he moves. It's equivalent to peripheral vision or a form of echolocation at times." Lyle continued. "It's kind of like a radar. I know whats around me and whether their moving or not."
"If you can sense Cobalt because of his shadow, wouldn't crowded areas be a nightmare for you?" Hoshiguma questioned curiously.
"While I can't deactivate it in its entirely, I can mitigate it by limiting the range where I can sense and ignore it from there." Lyle explained. "It has saved my skin on more than a few occasions but learning to control and master it was an absolute disaster. Both in training and during social interactions."
"What do you mean by that?" Hoshiguma pursued.
"I was barely a young adolescence when I unlocked my arts. It was about one month after I immigrated to Laterano to escape the war." Lyle recalled, not noticing the looks of surprise from his coworkers.
"Wait, wait, wait one moment there, Lyle! You never told me you lived in… Laterano." The sudden realization from Swire as she spoke, remembering his necklace and the Laterano insignia that was on it. "I'm an idiot."
"You lived there with your dad, correct?" Ch'en questioned, knowing what the answer was thanks to her informants.
"You're right, Ch'en. Initially, they actually wouldn't accept me because of my Sarkaz features and my races… generalized professions. However, my father was a high-ranking Apostolic knight, and in exchange for reenlistment and me under strict guidelines and near constant surveillance, I can stay."
"Must've been hard." Swire commented.
"Can't even count the number of times I've been berated and bullied." Lyle lightly joked, trying to make light of the otherwise serious subject. "I wasn't allowed to fight back, so I was forced to take it all. All for the sake of making my mother proud… even though she would only know through letters and a few videos."
"Damn… hard to believe a place that emphasizes the need to protect each of their citizens to just look the other way towards you. Scummy pricks." Cobalt angrily said.
"I wasn't considered a citizen in their eyes, more like a baggage. I had to play by their rules for a bit and it was hard to make friends at first." Lyle said admittedly. "Didn't help when I first activated my arts and I completely lost it when there was a lot of people near me. People who had thought I was freak before… oh boy, were they in for a show." Lyle joked.
"It was like all my sensory skills went haywire, too much information processing into my head at once. It was like spinning in circles at high speeds with a stomach full of spicy food, ready to explode." Lyle shivered at the reminder. "I remember I hid inside a closet at school when it activated, and the instructors couldn't get me out. All the kids were crowding around, some curious, some scared, and others making fun of my pain. The surveyors that were in charge of me tried to force me out, but to no avail. I couldn't take the pain anymore, I wanted it all to go away… I wanted to see my mom again." Silence filled the room as they listened intently to the Sankta Sarkaz hybrid.
"What happened next?" Swire asked softly.
"…A voice saved me. The voice was singing this beautiful song over in the next room, a Laterano verse, if I remember correctly." Lyle spoke gently. "I focused on that voice. The sweet, angelic sound that came out of her mouth was all it took for me to forget everything around me. I was fixated on her voice as I opened the door and quietly walked over to that room, staring right at the girl as she finished her lyrics." Lyle reminisced, the group attentively listening in on the story. "I remember her facing me and she gave this bright smile towards me. The first friendly…real smile I received from anyone there at the time. I broke down in tears afterwards, overwhelmed… grateful for everything, but especially her, that the pain I was experiencing was gone." Lyle finished as he looked at the floor, a smile forming. "I learned to control it to an extent right then and there."
"Father arrived soon after and took me away to figure out what was happening and soon after I was given special courses and help to further control and suppress my arts. They didn't want someone like me using a potentially volatile art."
…
"Come on, you guys, there is no need to be so grim about it." Lyle laughed at the somberness of the rest. "I mean, yeah I had it rough, but I made it, right? If it helps, I did end up becoming close friends with that girl and her sister. I even met my girlfriend because of her, them growing up together and everything."
"But you still had to deal with those asses and the looks of contempt even after making friends." Cobalt said angrily, not at all liking the idea of his rival… friend, was treated like that.
"I did, and I had developed a few nasty habits because of it, but the few friends I made helped me become a better person. I became more confidant, and I was able to pursue things I was interested in. Like basketball." Lyle said before a maniacal look plastered on his face.
"It wasn't all that bad, though. They learned to respect and treat me like one of their own at one point. Life became an absolute paradise for a while afterwards." Lyle said whimsically, confusing the listeners.
"How is that? How are you able to change their views towards you?" Swire said, confused.
"Lateranians love their sweets, religion, guns, and basketball…. And while I couldn't handle a long gun because of how incompatible my arts were when I used it or because I couldn't participate in any religious ceremonies. I absolutely dominated the sweets and basketball department."
"Wait a minute… so you're telling me that-" Cobalt asked with a big grin, knowing full well what to expect.
"I earned their respect because they couldn't get enough from my family's coffee/bakery shop, and I absolutely teared those Lateranians to shreds in B-ball. Ya damn right their views changed when I was throwing dimes and pulling up from three, all the while they couldn't keep their mouths away from the desserts that I made." Lyle's slang kicked in the end as he finished the story with a goofy grin.
"MY BOY!" Cobalt yelled as he went to Lyle to do their signature handshake once more before he put Lyle in a headlock and rubbed his head profusely. Swire and Hoshiguma looked at each other with exasperated looks and began laughing.
"I think I have film and highlights from my time during the Laterano tournament when I was in high school. Interested?"
"You know I am so DOWN for that!"
"I don't mind. Seems like fun."
"It would be interesting to see a young Lyle."
"I bet you would find it interesting, Swire~"
"SHUT UP YOU *Harsh Lungmen profanity*."
*Saturday night. Heavy rain*
"And that was my old captain. He was a super strict Sankta and hard on everyone, but he didn't care what you were or where you came from. As long as you wanted to win and put in the effort, he'll play you."
"Laterano definitely knows how to be a rowdy bunch… they sure go wild when you were playing well." Cobalt noted as he heard the rambunctious crowd all but suffocated the audio.
"Yeah, but it got pretty bad when I had to go to an away game. They were relentless… but they still lost~" Lyle stated with a wicked grin. "Ooh, I remember the time a few high-ranking religious figures attended a game because one of their kids was on the opposite team, and my dad was there escorting them. Coach and the school didn't want me to play at first because of some outrageous reasons and some random crap like I was half Sarkaz, but my captain made the decision and pushed me to play despite what they ordered, man we lit that team up!"
"I bet that must've felt great to get some revenge."
"It sure was, Swire. You should have seen the look on their faces, those Notarial Hall members, and the look of shock and pride my dad had was all too good to miss."
"Did you end up getting in trouble afterwards?"
"They were initially mad, but the Notarial Hall sent the school a letter, noting the 'upstanding work and the fertility of the model citizens who played with the Laterano heart and spirit.' must've been their way of admiring my 'change' into integrating with them.
That doesn't make sense. Ch'en thought as she took another sip from the wine. She had stayed quiet throughout Lyle's story in Laterano and now, she was even more confused than ever. She can't connect how someone who lived a life much nicer than most, despite a difficult upbringing, would desire a life of danger like the LGD, or be involved with the mafia. A life that could end so abruptly. There was more to the story, and she needed to answer it.
"Are you alright, Ch'en? Have too much to drink?" Hoshiguma asked curiously, unknown of the actions that would follow next.
"I'm perfectly fine, Hoshiguma." Ch'en assured. "Answer this personal question, Lyle." Ch'en asked.
"I suppose I don't have a choice on the matter. So, ask away, Madam Ch'en~" Lyle asked in his usual playful tone.
"How… no, why do you fight?" Ch'en questioned, much to the surprised looks of the other three, but only a blank look received from the person in question.
"You've may have had it rough in the beginning, but from the sounds of it, you lived a peaceful life. Why did you join the LGD? Why choose a life where you have to fight when you can make a decent living in culinary or in sports?"
"Hey, Ch'en! Asking him why is so-"
"Understandable." Lyle finished Swire's statement in an unusually calm manner. "You're cautious if I have an ulterior motive that would harm your precious Lungmen." Lyle got up and walked over to the window view of the downpour of rain covering Lungmen. "I've witnessed the capital… my home burn to the ground. I've seen the bodies of friends and neighbors, brutalized and mutilated." Lyle reminisced as he cracked his knuckles by clenching his fists, quietly expressing the emotions he felt. "Family bonding growing up was grounding up nuts and berries to prevent starvation and hide in demolished buildings trying to sleep while the sounds of war were heard in the unknown distance away. Family vacations was spending time on a landship from Rim Billiton or some nonsense region, spending time with the queen herself and a lovely white-haired nanny that took care of me while my mother and father ran off to deescalate the temper tantrum of that power hungry brother of the queen." Lyle sarcastically mocked as he spoke of his past. "That damn *Unknown language*."
Those in the room could only quietly listen and absorb the information that the ranting Sarkaz, discovering his past in the most unexpected way.
"Tell me, Ch'en. Where's the peace in that?" Lyle mockingly asked Ch'en, the drinking finally affecting his discipline. "I got sent away to a foreign land, never to see my mother again. While living there, I was treated like a prisoner with chains and a leash, not with open arms and a blanket. It was only when a few took a chance on me, fixing my battered spirit and allowed me to live a normal life as best I can. Through hard work and perseverance, I earned the respect of the people Laterano, despite the Notarial Hall still treating me like crap, despite me being my father's son." Lyle explained, his eyes white. Looking at Ch'en through the reflection of the window, he continued. "And as soon as I felt like I could have that so called peace you spoke of, my mother, my world… everything was stolen away from me again!" Lyle angrily exclaimed. "All to fight in another's war. A war, whether you supported it or not, would take hold of you and ruin everything you cherish."
"This god forsaken world never wanted me to live peacefully. It wanted me to become the very thing my mother and father fought so hard to prevent from happening… a monster. A monster consumed by anger and hatred, killing indiscriminately for false leaders that claim they would lead the way for a better world… but instead for their own selfish gain." Ch'en quietly clenched her fists when Lyle finished that, knowing all too well just how wicked the world is at changing people and the product of the wicked.
"By god's own intervention, I was saved from the drowning depths of hell… and I was guided to protect and serve for a cause under my savior's mentoring." Lyle said as he calmed himself, relaxing his now unclenched hands and reaching for the intricate necklace around his neck.
"I came to this city because I received a glimmer of hope. Once, for the first time in my life, I have one chance to salvage and save the people I love and make this world better. Not for the likes of those in power, but for the powerless that don't have the means to." Lyle stated as he turned around to face them. "I came here because there is hope I can find people like me, who has seen the cruelties of this world. To help me save this world."
Each of the members recalled the time they first seen how cruel this world was. Cobalt and his time on the streets with nothing but a cardboard box, ripped clothes, and an insulative bracelet on his hand, a promise to see his family again. Swire, of the kidnapping when she was a child, and the detectives that inspired her to serve and save others. Hoshiguma, her time in Higashi and her vigilante work in the underworld and ghetto that ultimately led her to joining the LGD. Ch'en's incident involving…
"If you fight for a better world, then I'll gladly fight for or alongside you, but if you do this only for your own selfish gain… you're no better than that Tyrant and the cowards that extort the weak." Lyle scowled as he stared down at the smaller Lung. "So, Ch'en, are you someone I can stand with against this cruel world? Have I come to the right place? Or are you more of the same? Does my reasoning satisfy why I won't… can't live a peaceful life?"
Silence captured the room as everyone comprehended and acknowledged the words of Lyle. Ch'en, specifically, was taking every word and every meaning behind it. The conviction, the unwavering and undeterred voice from Lyle as he spoke on why he fights. She's learned how to pick up when someone lies, it comes with working with the LGD. She felt no forgery in his words, but only belief because of experience. She got the answer she wanted.
"I believe that's the most serious I've ever heard from you." Ch'en asserted as she raised her hand towards him. "I think we have a better understanding of each other, Lyle Raguel. Son of the White Adjudicator of Laterano, Barachiel Raguel."
"Hmph, I believe I have severely underestimated your informants, Ch'en." Lyle acknowledged as he took her hand and shook it firmly. "Thought they don't seem to know everything…I hope you can trust me; I know I can be a bit… difficult, but it's hard to trust from my past experien-"
"You've said it yourself, you're here to find people like you." Ch'en said, cutting off Lyle. She was contempt with the outcome of her plan, while very unorthodox even by her standards, but a necessary one that would only help the team more. "I believe we can work well in that department, Officer Lyle." Ch'en assured, she still has questions regarding the Lupos, but she believes that it shouldn't matter, at the moment, what he did.
The past shouldn't always define the person for the rest of their life. Sometimes the person in the present must define who and what they are right there and then, and it's up to the world to decide what future they tread. Thus, the complication of this world, but that's what makes life choices important…to decide how we ourselves are treated and how to treat others. Ch'en recalled the quote she heard from a lecture during her time at the Victorian Guard School. I'll wait for him to talk about what happened.
"Glad to work by your side, Madam Ch'en." Lyle firmly said.
A sudden pinch on his cheek, a not so light punch to his side, and a nasty head rub was given to him by Swire, Cobalt, and Hoshiguma, respectively.
"You got one hell of a way of opening up to us, Lyle." Cobalt said, a small genuine smile on his face forming. "You know I've got your back."
"…Yeah, I know that Cobalt." Lyle said softly. "Let's say we hit up the cages and hoop later. It would be something if we team up."
"Sure thing, bud. You know we'll dominate the courts." Cobalt agreed happily.
"Heh, maybe I'll come by and watch for a bit." Ch'en chimed in.
"You have a strong conviction, Lyle." Hoshiguma noted, smiling lightly at him. "You can do wonders with that. I'll be looking forward to drinking with you on this journey, together."
"Of course, Hoshiguma. Though I don't think I'll fare so well like the rest."
"You're a damn idiot, Lyle." Swire said angrily. "You b-better make it up in training and give me your absolute best. E-especially if we're g-going to make this world better."
"Just for you. I'll give it my all." Lyle quietly said, patting the flustered Senior Superintendent's head. Though she didn't bother fighting back. "Please don't get mad at me for saying it's too easy, alright?"
"So, Lyle." Ch'en said.
"Yes, Ch'en?" Lyle said, somewhat unsure on what she'll say next.
"This girlfriend of yours. What's she like?" Ch'en casually asked as she sat back down and finished the rest of her wine. "And do you have any more of this, by chance?
…
"What? The head of LGD Special Inspection Unit should at least know some of her coworkers' private lives." Ch'en said as she smirked towards Swire. "Isn't that right, Little Miss?" Bantering and shenanigans continued through the night with laughter and pleasantries.
*Saturday: 15 until midnight. Clear nights. *
"DID YOU USE YOUR ARTS WHEN WE PLAYED AGAINST EACH OTHER, YOU SNEAKY SARKAZ! NO WONDER WHY WHENEVER YOU CAN PASS TO YOUR TEAMMATES WITHOUT EVER LOOKING AT THEM SO ACCURATELY!" The furious Cobalt said as he got into the equally mad look of Lyle.
"DID YOU USE YOURS?! YOU ALWAYS SEEMED MORE ENERGIZED WHEN A TIMEOUT WAS DONE! LIKE YOU'VE BEEN ELECTRIFIED OR SOMETHING!" Lyle responded back in fold.
Laughter roared from the ladies as they witnessed the boys of the group continue their heated argument while eating the blueberry cheesecake they had waited diligently. They were currently watching some of the infamously talked about matches between Lyle and Cobalt, and the sudden realization that certain arts can't be deactivated caused a stir between the former, or possibly renewed, rivals.
"I SWEAR YOU'RE STILL MAD THAT I GOT YOUR NUMBER! THREE-TWO IN GAMES THAT I WON!" Lyle exclaimed, smiling yet still determined to win out any argument towards Cobalt.
"ALL THOSE GAMES WERE DECIDED BY LESS THAN FOUR POINTS, ALL LUCK ON YOUR END! ALL MY GAMES WON WERE BY AT LEAST TEN!" Cobalt retorted. He was against the wall now, even he knew he couldn't win the argument when the win-loss ratio was brought up, but stubbornness must carry him onward.
*Yawn* "Yikes, it's almost midnight, maybe we should call it here, Lyle." Hoshiguma proposed as she checked the clock, stopping the fight amongst the two, who swore on each other that they would continue the argument at a later date.
"I suppose so. We don't want to be a hair to your thorn, Lyle." Swire said as she got up and stretched. "Where should I put the plate and glass?"
"Oh, don't say that Swire. You can never be a prick." Lyle jokingly reassured, earning snickers from the rest not named Swire. "Hehe, pun intended. Don't worry, I'll deal with the silverware."
"Ugh, my goodness, Lyle. Don't be like Cobalt, you're better than that," Swire huffed.
"Oh~ would you prefer if I were like a stay-at-home husband then? OH, welcome home, my beloved. The kids are asleep early, and I've just finish making the casserole. Shall we enjoy our romantic night together and… continue it elsewhere?"
"That right there… is why you're a Sarkastic ass." Swire said with a heavy blush, before realizing and slapping her mouth shut with her hand.
"Pfft nice one, Miss S." Lyle laughed alongside Cobalt and the other two ladies, much to the further embarrassment and ire of Swire.
"G-good night, Lyle!" Swire huffed as she was the first to head out the door and await the others.
*Light chuckle* "Aye don't worry. She can't ever stay mad at her favorite student." Cobalt elbowed Lyle. "Shoot me a text when we're hooping, alright?"
"I got you, bro." Lyle replied as Cobalt went out the door.
"I'll see you at work, Lyle. You have to show me the variety of cooking techniques and ingredients you use." Hoshiguma chimed as she walked out. "That blueberry cheesecake was extremely delicious."
"Thank you and of course! Have a goodnight, Hoshiguma." Lyle waved the green-haired Oni.
"Thanks for having us over, it was certainly relaxing and intriguing. In more ways than one." Ch'en said as she stopped right before the door, the last one inside the apartment besides the owner. "Hey, Lyle. Let me ask you one more thing."
"Whats that, Madam Ch'en." Lyle responded lightly.
"Why did you really invite us?" Ch'en questioned lightly.
"To show my appreciation and for us to hang out, of course~" Lyle said in his usual tone. Ch'en simply smiled and didn't push further before she began walking out the door. It was only the return of his voice calling for her was when she stopped and looked at him.
"…Say Ch'en, I have another reason why I wanted to invited you guys here." Lyle said as he stood by the door. Ch'en looking back at him. "… Todays the anniversary of my mother's death, and I wanted to be with friends instead of being alone again this year. It wasn't how I wanted it to go… but I'm glad it all happened, so thank you!" Lyle gave the brightest smile she's seen. "Consider this a secret between us two, okay?" The Sarkaz said quietly with a light smile before raising a fist, to which Ch'en returned the first bump. "Of course." She didn't know why he gave her that information or why he kept it a secret, but that was clearly a sign that he is putting a lot of trust onto her to keep quiet about.
"Goodnight, everyone! Get home safe!" He last said aloud before closing the door.
"What did he say to you?" Hoshiguma asked, the others leaning in to hear the answer.
"Can't say, Hoshiguma." Ch'en said closing her eyes and smiling lightly. "That's a secret between my friend and I…"
With co… friends like these.
[UNKNOWN] days left until the Chernobog event occurs.
THERE WE GO!
With the end of the semester finals and the sudden incident of horrible internet, the constant on/off problems and other events, I couldn't really focus much on the story as I want to, but hey, that's the enjoyment of life, baby!
I'm not going to lie; this was the hardest in terms of flow and how I wanted to bring up certain pieces of information. We have a TON of info on Lyle, much of that is only the surface, however. The vague, ambiguous backstory that sets a motive to why he fights! Many questions haven't been answered and even more are brought up.
I might change a few events and the order of the story (the canon story line really messes things up, especially when we use character where we canonically haven't met yet and such) so I will change things a bit, but I presume yall know this already! It won't be something crazy, and I'll try to keep it grounded and reasonable.
Other than that,… the character sheets are a bit more… difficult to produce in terms of archetype and skills at times that are oriented and fit the confines of the Arknights world, without making it overpowered and such, but giving them a unique feel to it as well. (I may have promised that would be released, but I have bad upload schedule Hehe)
More info and chapters on the way! I usually try to shoot for a month max to release a chapter, so the next one would at least be within a month from when this one was released.
Authors notes:
If you look up official art, Ch'en wears glasses as she does desk work.
I designed Lyle's apartment based off the penthouse apartments in GTA 5, specifically the 'Monochrome' design, which I spoke about in the chapter.
Oh yeah, how many references have you seen so far? For example, Jerry and Tom from last chapter is essentially Tom and Jerry, the cartoon TV show characters that I used to watch! Like many aspiring writers, we get our inspiration from things around us, so I'm wondering what you can catch as we continue (at a slow/ maybe quicker pace) the story!
Until next time, ciao~